Assignment Question(s):
Read carefully case No 8 from your textbook (entitled ‘iRobot: Finding the Right Market Mix?) and answer the following questions: (1 mark each question)

1. Draw the SWOT matrix of the iRobot company.
2. What is the competitive strategy used by iRobot company?
3. Use the five forces of the M. Porter matrix to describe the robot-based product industry.
4. Describe the different functional strategies of the iRobot company.
5. Describe the relationship of iRobot with its primary stakeholders.
Suppliers:
6. Describe the core competency and the outsourcing strategy of iRobot.
7. What kind of strategic alliance is used by iRobot? Why does iRobot choose it?
8. What are the main challenges that iRobot faces?
9. Assess the competitive advantage of iRobot in its market.
10. Recommend solutions for iRobot to improve its competitive advantage.

I. Mini-project

From real national/international market, select any type of strategic alliance between two firms and answer the following questions: (1 mark each question)

1. Briefly introduce your chosen firms, partners of the strategic alliance (industry, nationality, size, market position…). Max 150 words
2. What is the type of strategic alliance used by your chosen firms? Explain its different reasons.
3. What is the method used by the firms to manage their cultures after alliance? underline the pros and cons of this method.
4. Is this strategic alliance successful? Justify.
5. What recommendations can you give to the managers of these firms to improve their competitiveness?

Notes.
 Use at least 4 references for your answers to section II.
 All references used should be listed by the end of your analysis, using the APA style.